Rho(d) Immune Globulin and Rubella Vaccine: Maternity Immunizations

Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhoGAM):Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. Fetal red blood cells can enter the maternal circulation during pregnancy or birth, triggering maternal antibody formation against the Rh antigen. In a subsequent Rh-positive pregnancy, these maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy fetal RBCs, causing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), also called erythroblastosis fetalis. Rho(D) immune globulin prevents this sensitization by providing passive antibody protection that neutralizes any Rh-positive fetal cells before the maternal immune system can form its own antibodies. Indications: Rh-negative clients who are antibody-negative (Coombs-negative) and have had any potential exposure to Rh-positive blood: - Routine prophylaxis at 28 weeks' gestation - Within 72 hours after delivery of an Rh-positive infant - After amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling - After abdominal trauma, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous or induced abortion - After any procedure involving potential fetal-maternal hemorrhage Administration: Intramuscular only. NEVER give IV. Not given to the newborn — only to the mother. Contraindications: Rh-positive clients; clients with a positive antibody titer (sensitization already occurred — RhoGAM is of...